FIRST-STRING Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ

Definition of first-string next

as in excellent

of the very best kind a first-string rendition of the musical piece

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of first-string Sarkisian said the former four-star recruit from the suburbs of Mobile, Ala., is working with the first-string offense in practice and appears to be the front-runner for Manning’s top backup spot ahead of Morris, a collegiate journeyman who spent last season at Coastal Carolina. —

Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026 While the Steelers gave Warren a modest contract extension just before the start of the season, there really is no definitive first-string running back, which is just the way offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes it. —

CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025 The Colorado product will be expected to improve after operating as the team's first-string quarterback with Gabriel remaining in the NFL's concussion protocol. —

Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 23 Nov. 2025 Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead. —

Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025 Most importantly, many defensive special-teams rushers are first-string players, whereas the blockers tend to be second- and third-string players. —

J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night. —

Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025 That is an obvious but nevertheless tempting play with Burrow and the first-string offense in action. —

Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025 That has not kept Henderson from receiving snaps with Maye and the rest of the first-string offense, however. —

Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 July 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string

Adjective

The Horned Frogs had a mix of air raid and veer-and-shoot principles under Briles, but are expected to move more to a pro-style scheme under Sammis, who had excellent success with that style of offense at UConn.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
In the pre-show rooms, both real-life actors seen were excellent at interacting with real-life visitors and prerecorded monotone movie stars.

— Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026